Carpe Diem Dordogne

Ah, how we all love to travel and vacation. No one, however, truly likes packing. I’m always living out of a suitcase or hiking backpack so fortunately, there are some ways to narrow down what you should be doing while packing, and some simple guidelines that will make the process much less involved.

First, pack according to where you are going. This is a bit of an obvious point, true, but it is an extremely relevant one. If you’re going to be vacationing in Fiji, then it’s not necessary to bring along a greatcoat and mittens. If you’re going to a cold place – like the Alps, for example – then you wouldn’t want a wardrobe comprised solely of Hawaiian t-shirts. However, if you are going to a cold climate for your vacation, chances are that you should still pack a t-shirt or two. After all, you won’t be outdoors the entire time, and might suffocate if you wear those coats and parkas indoors.

Second, determine the dress code of the place you will be staying at, and prepare appropriately. For example, if you’ll be staying at a beach resort with minimal amounts of formality, then packing simple, casual clothes will likely suffice. If, however, you happen to be staying at a fancier place that has a bit of a strict dress code, then you will want to pack the appropriate clothing. This may also mean using a specific type of suitcase in order to prevent your clothes from becoming wrinkled.

Third, organize. Some people have a deplorable tendency to just throw everything – and indeed everything – in a suitcase and then call it a day. This is neither an efficient nor an intelligent way to pack. In order to make sure that you have space for everything, a little organization is needed. If you aren’t one of those super-organizers, take heart. It’s not as complicated as it seems. Just fold the clothes flatly, smooth them down and place them in sections. For example, put your pants on the right side of the suitcase and your shirts on the left side. Then you can put your socks and underwear in the middle, where they won’t get mixed up with everything else.

While packing can be a daunting task, it is by no means a hopeless one. With a little organization and forethought, it can be completed well and with time to spare.

When you get exhausted with every day’s work you obviously would think about taking a break and having a vacation. Whether it be a family vacation or a romantic trip, planning a vacation is very important as money is involved. I talk about this a lot because its easy to be frugal and still enjoy traveling.

Here are some tips I like to give friends:
1. There are many things you need to decide before going on a vacation. First and foremost where you want to go and how you want to go and when. Try to be very flexible with your travel dates, mode of travel and places, that way you can get the best possible travel deals. If you wanted to spend time in some beach resort in Hawaii and you don’t find a better deal, don’t get upset instead look for a beach location which gives you a good deal. Being not very particular about your vacation spot always gets you a good travel deal.

2. If you plan to travel in peak times, you have to be prepared to pay more out of your pocket. Planning your travel during off-peak times saves you more money.

3. If you are planning for an international travel, be sure to keep in mind the exchange rates that you get. It may be cheaper to fly to an international vacation spot but the expenses may take a toll on your vacation budget. It doesn’t mean that you can’t go for an international vacation but choose the right time and the right deal. Many hotels and airlines offer low prices during off-peak times. Plan your vacation during that time.

4. Also look out for deals other than flights and accommodation on the internet. You may find some coupons that save you money on restaurants and shopping in the place you are planning to go.

5. If possible buy everything in packages like, look for a hotel that offers you accommodation, complimentary breakfast or meals and helps you pick and drop off from and to airport.

6. Packages are also good when you plan to go for sightseeing. If there are many places you would like to visit, better book your trip with a travel company. They offer you good discounts.

7. There are some hotels that also provide a kitchen for you to cook. Better you choose these kind of hotels to stay when traveling with kids. Some kids are choosy about their food and you can’t buy what they can’t eat and waste money. Instead you can carry few groceries and cook at the place you stay.